§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what expenditure has been incurred by his Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies(a) in 1996–97 and (b) since 1 May 1997 on (i) opinion polling, (ii) focus groups and (iii) other forms of market research; if he will list the surveys commissioned and the purpose of each; and if he will make a statement. [26585]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 5 February 1998]: Surveys commissioned by the Department and its Agencies in (a) 1996–97 and (b) since 1 May 1997 are as follows:
1996–97Personal Imports Campaign: Research to assess the effectiveness of the publicity campaign.Veterinary Laboratories Agency: Market research on new business areas and customer satisfaction survey.Intervention Board: Survey of customer satisfaction.1997–98Perceptions of MAFF: A survey conducted among opinion leaders, journalists, farmers and the general public.Research to assess the effectiveness of the MAFF food safety exhibit at the Good Food Show.Research to assess the effectiveness of the MAFF food safety radio campaign.Research to identify the most effective method of communicating nutrition information to teenage girls.Pesticide Safety Directorate: Customer satisfaction surveyVeterinary Laboratory Agency: Research on new business areas.Veterinary Medicines Directorate: One survey to assess competitiveness and two customer satisfaction surveys.Total expenditure for the period was £163,000. Information from non-departmental public bodies is not centrally available but is currently being sought. I will write to the hon. Member with the collated information as soon as possible.